Free for iPhone: SAP Business One

November 16, 2010 by Christiane Stagge

SAP Business One, now free for iPhone and coming soon in iPad-format

SAP Business One has arrived on iPhone, giving users another great way to manage their business data while on the move. Those already using SAP Business One 8.8 PL12can download the software, which requires an iPhone or iPod Touch running iOS 3.1.3 or later, for free through iTunes. The app makes it possible to call up data from installations of SAP Business One in real time, meaning that employees can view contacts, generate reports and diagrams, evaluate balance sheets, analyze business processes, approve vacation applications, and handle inquiries – all from their mobile devices! Like the desktop version of the software, the SAP Business One app supports 25 languages, and it connects securely to base installations through SSL or VPN. Since the app does not include an offline mode, it requires a cellular data or wireless LAN connection to function.

View business data, manage appointments, send e-mail, update customer information, and call up stock prices – all while on the goApprovals at your fingertips

Mini-ERP for iPhone

Following the download from Apple’s App Store, users only need to enter a few configurations – a server name, user code, and cell phone number – before pressing the SAP Business One icon on their iPhone’s touchscreen to start the app. Logging in requires the same password as the corresponding desktop installation of the software.

Like every other iPhone app, this version of SAP Business One has a user interface that responds to touches and swipes of the finger. Its initial screen presents an overview of all its functions; as mentioned, these include viewing business data, managing appointments, and approving requests for travel expenses or vacation, for example. One of the app’s highlights is its ability not only to generate reports, but to transform them into graphical presentations with SAP Crystal Reports and send them by e-mail, as well. In addition, the app enables users to manage customer information and call up stock prices. Should users make changes while on the move – updating or adding a customer’s address, for instance – this data is automatically synced back into SAP Business One at their company’s headquarters.

SAP Business One 8.8 PL12

SAP Business One is SAP’s most compact business software (for more, turn to “Software for the Midmarket: SAP Business One”). It covers all of the key processes of small businesses and midsize companies, from purchasing, accounting, material requirements planning to sales and inventory management. It’s also possible to integrate the app into Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook. SAP Business One is suitable for as few as five users, and its price starts at €15,000. SAP guarantees an implementation phase of six to eight weeks.

SAP Business One 8.8 Patch Level 12 has been available since October; for further details, check out our article “Revealed: SAP Business One Road Map 2014”. This latest release supports business intelligence functions from the SAP BusinessObjects portfolio, such as the aforementioned SAP Crystal Reports. With SAP Business One Cockpit, meanwhile, users can create their own custom interfaces. Finally, SAP Business One Mobile Services presents a tool that serves as a basis upon which partners can develop mobile software and applications.

In addition, the new version comes equipped with a series of preconfigured dashboards, and developers can create and add their own with SAP Crystal Dashboard Designer.

An iPad-optimized version of the SAP Business One app will soon be available